The word etiquette usually isn't too far behind talking about the game of golf. There are certain guidelines for golfing relative to safety, the pace of play, and others aid in maintaining the quality of the golf course you are playing. In short, golf etiquette is essential to the game. So let's look at a few rules for course etiquette here at Hanover Country Club. 

Golf Carts

As a general rule, please keep golf carts at least 30 feet away from the greens. Recently, golf carts have been driven extremely close to the greens, even to the point of being parked just off the collar's edge. In general, utilize designated cart paths at all times. Carts are allowed to scatter on all holes except 2 and 18, where they MUST remain on the cart paths. Also, keep carts on the paths when crossing bridges on holes 4, 8, and 10. During wet conditions, signs will indicate where you can and cannot drive golf carts. 

Other areas to avoid are between the 10 and 18 green. Constant use has begun to make this area look like a roadway. The same goes for the area behind the 8 green. Please scatter carts wherever you can to avoid creating the worn-out roadway look around the course. 

If you face a health challenge that makes it difficult for you to abide by these rules, please provide the Board of Directors with a written request for a flag to be issued to your cart. 

Walk Carts

Walk carts can also get too close to the greens as tees. Please walk your carts a good distance from the greens and make an effort to keep them off collars. This is particularly a problem where bunkers are close to greens and tees. Always try to walk your carts to the low side of bunkers. 

Divots

We have all heard "please fill in your divots," probably more than once. Many golfers are good at following this golden rule. Still, sometimes, due to lack of experience, the actual repair may fall short. Here are some general guidelines for successful divot repair. 

• Replace the divot or fill it with sand? If it is the heat of summer and dry, use divot mix. Likely, the divot will not survive in the hot months. In the cooler months, replace the divot and step on it firmly.

• When using divot mix, don't just coat the bottom of the cavity. The cavity needs to be filled in entirely and smoothed out with your foot to level with the existing ground. Make sure not to overfill the divot. Mounds of sand will dull our mowers.

• Do your best to pick up your divot and discard it somewhere in the rough or nearest garbage can. Stray divots left lying on freeways can dull mowers. 

Remember that at the end of the day, golf etiquette comes down to respecting YOUR golf course. So, follow these simple etiquette requests so we can all enjoy OUR Hanover Country Club! To learn more visit our website at www.hanovercc.com.